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Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer

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All About Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers

Job Description & Duties Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.

Life As an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer: What Do They Do?

  • Confer with individuals or organizations involved in cases to obtain relevant information.
  • Determine existence and amount of liability according to current laws, administrative and judicial precedents, and available evidence.
  • Monitor and direct the activities of trials and hearings to ensure that they are conducted fairly and that courts administer justice while safeguarding the legal rights of all involved parties.
  • Issue subpoenas and administer oaths in preparation for formal hearings.
  • Research and analyze laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions to prepare for hearings and to determine conclusions.
  • Prepare written opinions and decisions.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer?

When polled, Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Types of Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer Jobs

  • Workers’ Compensation Claims Examiner
  • Commissioner
  • Appeals Officer
  • Referee
  • Housing Court Judge

Job Outlook for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers

In the United States, there were 15,400 jobs for Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 3.9% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 600 new jobs for Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer by 2026. The BLS estimates 700 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer are Rhode Island, Utah, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in Maryland, New Jersey, or Wisconsin. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer Make?

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers make between $45,120 and $169,640 a year.

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Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers who work in Massachusetts, California, or Missouri, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $124,100
Alaska $107,150
Arizona $92,300
Arkansas $64,070
California $117,810
Colorado $109,350
Connecticut $100,590
Delaware $65,930
Florida $111,320
Georgia $75,900
Idaho $86,190
Illinois $95,120
Indiana $112,630
Iowa $104,910
Kansas $118,070
Kentucky $57,090
Louisiana $74,160
Maine $66,010
Maryland $105,950
Massachusetts $131,800
Michigan $110,970
Minnesota $113,760
Mississippi $108,330
Missouri $121,450
Montana $73,900
Nebraska $61,000
Nevada $79,330
New Hampshire $79,770
New Jersey $111,660
New Mexico $73,270
New York $106,500
North Carolina $103,420
Ohio $96,790
Oklahoma $95,420
Oregon $85,550
Pennsylvania $92,910
South Carolina $96,640
Tennessee $97,950
Texas $116,320
Utah $84,010
Vermont $72,740
Virginia $98,830
Washington $108,810
West Virginia $74,470
Wisconsin $111,230

What Tools do Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Email software
  • Word processing software
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
  • LexisNexis
  • SAP software
  • Online databases
  • Videoconferencing software
  • Instant messaging software
  • Thomson Reuters WestLaw
  • Courtroom scheduling software

How to Become an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer

What kind of Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer requirements are there?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers Sector

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Below are examples of industries where Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers work:

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Those thinking about becoming an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer might also be interested in the following careers:

Those who work as an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Okan Г‡alД±Еџkan via CC0 Public Domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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